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January 29, 2025
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How to Protect Your TP-Link Archer A20 v3 Router from CVE-2024-57514 Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability
The recently discovered Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the TP-Link Archer A20 v3 router, tracked as CVE-2024-57514, represents a critical security concern that demands immediate attention from security professionals and network administrators.
About TP-Link Archer A20 v3 Router
The TP-Link Archer A20 v3 is a mid-range wireless router designed for home and small office environments. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, and provides robust networking features for typical home and small business internet connectivity needs.
Summary of the Vulnerability
CVE ID: CVE-2024-57514
Description: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in router's web interface
CVSS Score: 5.3 (Medium)
CVSS Vector: TBD
The vulnerability stems from improper handling of directory listing paths in the router's web interface. When a specially crafted URL is visited, the router's web page can render directory listings and execute arbitrary JavaScript embedded in the URL, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts.
Impact of the Vulnerability
The Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the TP-Link Archer A20 v3 router presents several significant security risks:
Integrity Compromise: Attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code into the router's web interface, potentially altering its functionality.
Confidentiality Risks: Potential for stealing user credentials or sensitive information through carefully crafted XSS payloads.
User Experience Disruption: Malicious scripts could manipulate the router's web interface, creating a poor user experience and potential security confusion.
Products Affected by the Vulnerability
|
Product
|
Affected Version
|
Status
|
|---|---|---|
|
TP-Link Archer A20 v3
|
Firmware 1.0.6 Build 20231011 rel.85717(5553)
|
Vulnerable
|
|
Other TP-Link Router Models
|
TBD
|
To be confirmed
|
How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?
To determine if your TP-Link Archer A20 v3 router is vulnerable:
Check the firmware version in the router's administration interface
Look for firmware version 1.0.6 Build 20231011 rel.85717(5553)
Verify the presence of directory listing functionality
Test potential XSS vectors using carefully constructed URLs
Why no direct fix? End-of-Life (EOL) Product: TP-Link has officially declared the Archer A20 v3 router as End-of-Life. This means they will no longer provide firmware updates or security patches for this model. What can you do? Since a firmware fix is not an option, here are the best steps to mitigate the risk: Replace the Router: The most secure solution is to replace your Archer A20 v3 router with a newer model that is still supported by TP-Link and receives regular security updates.
Implement Workarounds: If replacing the router isn't immediately feasible, consider these workarounds:
Disable Directory Listing: If your router's settings allow, disable directory listing. This might make it slightly harder for attackers to exploit the vulnerability, but it's not a guaranteed fix. Strong Password: Use a strong and unique password for your router's web interface. This makes it harder for unauthorized access. Restrict Access: Limit access to the router's web interface to only trusted devices on your network. Firewall: Ensure your network has a firewall enabled to help block potentially malicious traffic.
How to Fix the Vulnerability?
Unfortunately, there's no direct fix for the CVE-2024-57514 vulnerability in the TP-Link Archer A20 v3 router. Here's why and what you can do:
Why no direct fix?
End-of-Life (EOL) Product: TP-Link has officially declared the Archer A20 v3 router as End-of-Life. This means they will no longer provide firmware updates or security patches for this model.
What can you do?
Since a firmware fix is not an option, here are the best steps to mitigate the risk:
Replace the Router: The most secure solution is to replace your Archer A20 v3 router with a newer model that is still supported by TP-Link and receives regular security updates.
Implement Workarounds: If replacing the router isn't immediately feasible, consider these workarounds:
Disable Directory Listing: If your router's settings allow, disable directory listing. This might make it slightly harder for attackers to exploit the vulnerability, but it's not a guaranteed fix.
Strong Password: Use a strong and unique password for your router's web interface. This makes it harder for unauthorized access.
Restrict Access: Limit access to the router's web interface to only trusted devices on your network.
Firewall: Ensure your network has a firewall enabled to help block potentially malicious traffic.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-57514 vulnerability in the TP-Link Archer A20 v3 router underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust security practices. Security professionals must proactively assess and mitigate such risks to protect network infrastructure and user data.
By following the recommended mitigation strategies and maintaining vigilant security practices, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to this and similar vulnerabilities. You can also check more details about this vulnerability. If you are not sure about the vulnerability, it's recommended to perform a vulnerability assessment. Also, make sure you have a strong patch management strategy. Also, it's important to know CVSS metrics and its importance.
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Arun KL
Arun KL is a cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, Penetration Testing, security operations, and incident response. He is adept at designing and implementing robust security solutions to safeguard systems and data. Arun holds multiple industry certifications including CCNA, CCNA Security, RHCE, CEH, and AWS Security.
